Teeth Whitening

Whitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most noticeable changes that you can make to improve the appearance of your smile. Whitening, or bleaching, is a non-invasive and simple dental treatment that will alter the color of your tooth enamel to make your smile look whiter and brighter.

For many people, dull or stained teeth are the primary concerns that they have about their smile. At-home teeth whitening systems are the most popular method for correcting this problem. However, if you have older fillings, crowns, and other restorations, you need to be aware that these whitening systems will only work to improve the appearance of the natural tooth enamel, so you won't notice any changes on those restorations. It is recommended that you have those restorations replaced after bleaching your teeth so they match the new and improved color of the rest of your smile.

Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth

There are numerous reasons why you might choose to whiten your teeth:

•

Brown or yellow stains due to smoking or your diet

•

Discoloration due to fluorosis (too much fluoride during the development of the teeth)

•

Stains due to certain medications

•

Normal wear of the enamel

The Teeth Whitening Process

If you choose to whiten your teeth with a home whitening system, you will generally need two dental appointments. At your first visit, Dr. DeWire will take molds of your teeth to create customized plastic trays to hold the whitening solution.

After your trays have been fabricated, you'll have a second appointment where we'll make sure they fit properly. You'll receive instructions on how to wear the trays for optimal results. In most cases, this will involve wearing them either overnight or twice per day for several weeks.

Caring for Your Whitened Teeth

When whitening your teeth, it is completely normal to experience sensitivity. Fortunately, this discomfort should stop once you have finished your bleaching treatment, but if it doesn't, sensitivity toothpaste can help with the symptoms.

It is important to remember that teeth whitening isn't a permanent procedure, so to get the most out of your results, you should be sure to avoid foods and beverages that could stain your smile, including: wine, tea, soda, and coffee. If you are a smoker, you should also consider giving up the habit. Additionally, you will likely need an annual touch-up in order to maintain your beautiful, white smile.